DJing For Introverts
It would seem that to be a DJ, you’d really have to be extroverted. You know, you’re the life of the party. Because that’s really what the DJ is, right? You’re the one who gets people onto the dance floor. The crowd looks to you for a good time.
But, what if you’re not an extrovert? What if you’re actually very much the opposite? You’re an introvert who’d like nothing better than to be left to your own devices, not singled out. Keep that spotlight off you, right?
So, for all of us introverts out there, is DJing out as a career choice? Actually, no.
In a strange kind of twist, DJing is a perfect job choice for the introverted. You don’t have to interact with anyone if you don’t want to. You don’t have to mingle and make conversation all night with the crowd. You stand in one place and focus your attention on what you do best – spinning great music so the extroverts in the crowd can let loose.
Being introverted isn’t really about feeling nervous or lacking confidence. Anyone can feel that way at any point in the course of a day or a life. An introverted person is someone who prefers to limit the amount of stimulation in his or her environment. I like being around people. But, after a while I need to re-charge by myself. Introverts tend to give their energy to those around them, leaving them feeling depleted. Extroverts take in the energy that others give off, leaving them feeling full and energetic.
If you’re an introverted DJ, having a great time doing what you love is entirely possible. You just need to put some coping strategies in place.
- Carve out some time before and after a gig to be by yourself in a calm environment.
- If you don’t have a huge following because you’re too introverted to connect with enough people, focus on honing your craft. Your talent and focus will win you a following.
- Use your introverted nature to your advantage. Instead of being someone who needs to go out every night, be happy that you’re fine staying home and practicing your skills instead.
How many of you are introverts? What advice can you offer?
2 comments
I’m naturally an Introvert and DJed regularly for over 20 years. However, I disagree with some of the above. You’re SUPPOSED to be the LIFE of the party. Today with so many bedroom DJs and the clubs lowering the bar on entertainment, yes you can get away with it. But, I strongly suggest for the sake of DJing to be more than just another “glorified” bedroom DJ. After you get the basics down and you can mix when you can get in out of tracks at will, I’d spend your time getting social in the best way you know how. Don’t force it but just put a smile on your face and say “hello” to those that seem friendly. Wear a corny T-Shirt or A thought provoking T-Shirt that represents who you are. If you can dance good, then go dancing! DON’T LOCK YOURSELF IN YOUR ROOM! You will become “creepy” and no one wants to hire a “creepy” DJ (unless she/he’s famous). You can be an introvert and still be the life of the party. Maybe not THE life of the party (there are guys who just have a knack) but people will like you and when it comes to DJing, you need people to like you.
Great points, vibespace! You’re absolutely right – the DJ does need to be the life of the party. And there are ways to do if even if you’re an introvert. Literally wearing a different hat can help you become a different person – the person you need to be to run a successful set.